Helping Rescue A Horse
An Old British Coins Story
The last harvest
Bits of Paper from Old Palatine
The Rest Of The Story
Where Do Good Dogs Go
The Broad Axe's Story
The Light in the Window
Mr. Barshied was an accomplished historical preservationist. From a very early age, he was engaged in collecting, preserving, restoring, and stewarding all forms of Mohawk Valley heritage—artifacts, sites, stories, and people. He was one of the founders and first president of a group that dedicated itself to the preservation of Fort Klock near St. Johnsville in 1954. Fort Klock and its surrounding complex are now one of the very few national landmarks in Montgomery County. He participated in the restoration of the Windfall Dutch Barn at Salt Springville and was the first chairman of the Trustees of Salt Springville Community Restoration. He restored the Conrad Kilts Farm at Stone Arabia, which includes a Dutch barn, circa 1790 Greek Revival house, a summer kitchen, a relocated 18th-century house, and a relocated building used as a shoe shop. Many of those with an interest in the past and the area were proud to have been given personal tours of the beloved property.
Willis was a strong participant and leader in many important Mohawk Valley organizations. He was one of the founders of the Stone Arabia Preservation Society as well as a Trustee of Canajoharie Library and art gallery. He spent many years helping the Young Pioneer Program at Fort Klock. He was a supporter and friend of the Stone Arabia Amish community. Many of his tools can be seen in the hands of this community today. He was an active part of the Town of Palatine citizenry and often informed the town board on rulings and events of the recent (and distant) past. In 2008, Mr. Barshied received the 2008 Liberty Bell Award from the Montgomery County Bar Association and the National Historic Preservation Medal from the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Skip’s collecting often focused on the families of Stone Arabia. His collections have been important for many in genealogy searches and those looking to learn more about the Palatine region of New York. Throughout his years, he authored various newspaper articles and historical narratives. He was the author of the book “Shoes for John,” the story of a Stone Arabia boy in the time of the American Revolution. Over the past few years, many of his unique historical tools and artifacts have had a weekly presence in the paper under the title of “Whatchamacallits.”
His wife of 58 years, Ethel Nellis Barshied, predeceased him on November 10, 2006. His brother Robert and sister-in-law Penny also predeceased him. Mr. Barshied is survived by his son Andy and daughter-in-law Maureen, who reside in Averill Park, NY. He has four wonderful grandchildren: Ben (and Claire) Barshied, of New York, NY; Matthew (and Lauren) Barshied of Ross, CA; Gregory (and Alexandra) Barshied of Grand Rapids, MI; and Kristen (and Tim) Sheehan of Pleasant Valley, NY. His nephew Scott Barshied resides in Mechanicsville. At the time of his death, there are 12 children that called him Great-Grandpapa.
The Great Llama Hunt, a Tale of Friends and Two Skips
Stone Arabias Changing Scene
COLLECTING
Rebel: a four legged companion
BIOGRAPHY
A memorial to the mothers and daughters who were homemakers in yesterday’s Mohawk Valley Kitchens Display at the Fort Plain Free Library
The Draw Pin Story
Only Old Buttons
Will Stone Arabia survive hurricane Irene
MARSHVILLE AND CANAJOHARIE
The Story the Unfinished Ladle Told
OTHER WRITINGS
Alf and Freeda
The Return of Bruin
The Old Cavalry Jacket
Rebirth of a plow
Exploring a Rock Shelter Near Palatine Bridge
Oh-it's that chain again
GUNS
It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Willis ‘Skip’ Barshied. Skip was a founding member and steadfast supporter of Fort Klock. He had a deep love of history and generously shared his knowledge with all he came in contact with. He will be greatly missed.
A Stone Arabia Relic
Skip Adages
Watching Flint Grow
Skip the llama - the final chapter
Let us imagine that today is October 19 1780
The llama saga continues
PUBLISHED ARTICLES
Spring Tonic and Memories
The Girl Next Door
Bits of Paper from Old Palatine
The Old Milk Stool's Story
KILTS FARM
Willis (Skip) Ernest Barshied, Jr.
Skip Barshied passed away peacefully at home on the afternoon of January 6, 2020, surrounded by his friends. Born June 3, 1930, in Amsterdam, NY, to Margaret and Willis Barshied, Sr., Mr. Barshied spent his early life in Marshville, NY. His education included six years at the Marshville school. He graduated from Canajoharie High School in 1948. That same year, he married Ethel Nellis and moved with her to the Nellis Farm on Route 10. Like Skip, Ethel was from a long-established Palatine family. He resided in Stone Arabia for 70 years. Skip had a deep interest in the land and worked on the Nellis farm for 10 years. For a few years, he was secretary of a small fire insurance company founded in the Town of Palatine in 1854. For 28 years, he directed and helped restore the 18th-century Brower-Loucks-Dunn farm property in Stone Arabia.
The Shopping Trip
The old boot top's story
The Pot of Gold
Let's Go To An Auction
This long time Stone Arabia resident watches as another one of our landmarks is prepared for removal to a faraway place
The Woodlot
A Visit From Puppy
Stopping at the Feed Mill
Somebody Stole That
Stories and Essays by Skip Barshied
The Clock Key's Story
Imagination and fact from the site of Fort Paris at Stone Arabia
Exodus
The Lost Horseshoe Nail
The Story of the Mohawk Valley Hetchel
Notes passing of a friend
The House of God
Letter to Courier Standard Enterprise June 17 2010
The Ring
Hoof Beats: A Story for Emanuel and David
The Candle Snuffer Story
One persons view of our Amish neighbors
Jack the Stone Arabia Woodchuck
An Unfortunate Happening Eased by a Little Amish Girl's Touch
Friends
I Have a New Home by Buster the Basset
The Magnificent Apple
Dear Editor
FORT KLOCK
Spring Project 2008
STONE ARABIA AND PALATINE
Home of Webster Wagner, Inventor Of Sleeping Car, Still Stands At Palatine